The mutually beneficial deal will see a Cosmo Autosport's reserve driver provided with a full-time Formula Challenge seat to ensure they need not spend a season on the sidelines.

"McKinlay are committed to brand and team development, promotion of sim racing and supporting drivers. This is a deal that makes a lot of sense for us on our return to GPVWC competition. Naturally, our aspirations extend far beyond serving as a driver development hub for more established partner teams but this provides us with a valuable partner to draw upon as we find our feet in a challenging first season. We view this as a short-term deal but ultimately one that empowers us to field a high-level driver and ensures a reserve drive with Cosmo Autosport presents drivers with an attractive opportunity to display their talents over a competitive season and so prove themselves ready to make the step up to Supercup.

"It makes sense for both parties and that is the best kind of deal.

"Cosmo Autosport are a reputable outfit and one we are excited to be co-operating with this season." stated a Wednesday press release from McKinlay owner, Ben McKinlay Williamson.

Cosmo Autosport Team Principal, Joshua Anderson was also quoted, stating;

"I'm really excited about this partnership and I'd like to thank Ben for reaching out to us and offering to work together in such a manner. With the new cars for 2018 onwards sharing a common core, we felt it was best if our reserve driver took a full-time race seat in Formula Challenge so they could keep their skills sharp in case they got the call up to Supercup for a few races. Hopefully, this will work out for both of our teams and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes!"

A driver announcement from McKinlay is expected in the next few days as final details are negotiated.